Itchy skin is a very common condition. These complaints often go away on their own, but are sometimes severe enough to interfere with daily activities. This severe itching can be a sign of certain diseases that need to be watched out for.
Itching of the skin can appear in certain parts of the body, but it can also occur all over the body. Itchy skin sometimes appears accompanied by other symptoms, such as a rash or redness on the skin and bumps.
Itchiness that appears occasionally and subsides on its own or with the use of itch relievers (antihistamines) is not a condition to worry about.
However, you need to be vigilant if complaints of itching on the skin often recur, feel heavy, or do not go away with medication.
Some Causes of Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is often caused by allergies, irritation, or insect bites. In addition, there are several other conditions or diseases that can also cause itching on the skin, including:
1. Skin disease
Some types of skin diseases that can cause itching are:
- Eczema
- Scabies or scabies
- Smallpox
- Ringworm or fungal infection
- psoriasis
- Folliculitis
- hives
- Prurigo
The itching can be felt only in certain areas of the skin or various parts of the body. In addition to itching, this skin disease can also cause other symptoms, such as skin irritation and redness or spots on the skin.
2. Dry skin
Owners of dry skin types often feel itchy on their skin. Dry skin usually occurs due to a lack of natural oil or sebum which functions to moisturize the skin.
Dry skin can be caused by several things, such as frequent use of soap or skin care products made from harsh chemicals, dry air, frequent baths or showers with hot water, and prolonged exposure to air conditioning.
In addition, dry skin can also be caused by certain diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis.
3. Nervous disorders
Itchy skin that doesn't go away or stays for a long time can be caused by a nervous breakdown. Several types of neurological diseases that can cause itching are neurodermatitis, herpes zoster, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.
In addition, complications of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy, can also cause itching.
4. Systemic disease
Itching can also be caused by disease or disorders in the body organs or certain systemic diseases. There are several types of diseases that can cause itchy skin complaints, including:
- Diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Disorders of bile flow or cholestasis
- celiac disease
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Kidney failure
- Thyroid disorders, eg hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma
- Autoimmune disease
5. Allergic reaction or irritation to certain ingredients
Allergies are one of the most common causes of itchy skin. This allergic reaction occurs because the immune system overreacts to certain objects or substances that trigger allergies (allergens).
Allergy trigger factors can vary, ranging from chemicals in soap or cosmetics, pollution, dust, cigarette smoke, to certain foods or medicines, including herbal medicines.
6. Hormonal changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, some women feel itching in the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts due to hormonal changes. This itching will generally subside on its own after giving birth.
In addition to some of the things above, conditions such as menopause can also cause itching on the skin. This is because hormones change when a person enters menopause. In addition, certain psychological conditions such as severe stress, depression, or anxiety disorders can also cause itching on the skin.
Tips and Ways to Overcome Itchy Skin
If your skin feels itchy, you can try scratching it gently or using an itchy powder to treat it. Avoid scratching the itchy skin excessively, as this can cause sores and infections of the skin.
If the itching on the skin is bothersome, you can try to deal with it in the following ways:
- Apply a cold compress with a clean cloth on the itchy area of the body.
- Take a milk bath or shower with room temperature water and a mild chemical soap, and limit bath time to no more than 20 minutes.
- Regularly use moisturizer after bathing or when the skin feels dry.
- Avoid wearing clothes with fabrics that can increase itching, such as wool or clothes that are too tight.
- Reduce stress and anxiety by trying relaxation, yoga, or meditation.
- Identify and stay away from allergen triggers, such as dust, cigarette smoke, perfume, or soap and skin care products containing harsh chemicals.
- Regularly clean the house to keep it free of mites and dust, and change bed linen, pillowcases, and bolsters at least once a week.
If you want to scratch itchy skin, make sure your hands are clean and your nails are short so you don't risk injuring your skin and causing infection.
To treat itching that is very annoying, you can also use over-the-counter itching relievers, such as antihistamines or anti-itch powder.
Itchy skin can be annoying, but it's usually harmless and goes away on its own.
However, you need to be alert and see a doctor if you have complaints of itchy skin all over your body, often recur, have no known cause, or don't subside despite taking anti-itch medications.
Once the cause of your itchy skin is known, your doctor can provide appropriate treatment so that the condition can be treated properly.